Attractions and Places To See around São João - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around São João, located on Pico Island in the Azores, offers a diverse landscape shaped by its volcanic origins. The region is characterized by its prominent volcanic peak, high-altitude lagoons, and historical sites. Visitors can explore natural monuments and learn about the island's unique heritage. This area provides opportunities for outdoor exploration amidst its distinct geographical features.
Best attractions and places to see around São João
- The most popular attractions is Pico Mountain Summit, a summit that offers great views and requires good physical condition for the ascent. Permission for the climb is necessary and can be applied for online.
- Another must-see spot is Captain's Lagoon, a lake. This fascinating lagoon on Pico Island offers views of unique fauna and Pico Mountain.
- Visitors also love Mountain House (Pico Mountain House), a facilities point. This is a mandatory stop before starting the climb to the top of Pico Mountain for registration and control.
- São João is known for its volcanic landscapes, high-altitude lagoons, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from challenging mountain ascents to serene natural lakes.
- The attractions around São João are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 230 upvotes and over 180 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Pico Mountain Summit
Highlight • Summit
Good condition necessary for the ascent.
Descent extremely impassable.
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Captain's Lagoon
Highlight • Lake
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Caiado Lagoon
Highlight • Lake
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Mountain House (Pico Mountain House)
Highlight • Rest Area
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Whalers' Museum
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
A bit of a shame to see, if you walk about 10 minutes further there is a beautiful view of the sea.
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Cold and hot drinks! Ice cream! Enjoy!
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It is the highest mountain in Portugal, the third highest mountain in the Atlantic, and on top of that, you can experience the heat emanating from a virtually extinct volcano at the summit!
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Definitely worth seeing! It tells the story of whaling on Pico. The film vividly depicts how simple and difficult life is on Pico (Lajes) and how the men killed such a gigantic animal with simple means. The museum is very inexpensive and even free to visit on Sundays.
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Fascinating lagoon on Pico Island, reached by bus via ER 3-2, with parking nearby, or on foot via PR 13. At 826 meters above sea level, it offers views of unique fauna, as well as Pico Mountain ( which is typically surrounded by clouds).
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Beautiful lake in the middle of a beautiful landscape
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The whaling museum in Lajes do Pico offers an impressive look back to the time when whales were hunted in the Azores rather than just observed. Various products made from the killed animals, lances and harpoons, and a whaling boat are on display. In addition, a film with scenes from a sperm whale hunt is shown in a separate room. The former whale processing factory on Faial (which has also been a museum since the end of whaling in the early 1980s) can also be seen. And like the "Peter's Scrimshaw Museum" in Horta, this museum also houses handicraft exhibits made using the scrimshaw technique. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrimshaw
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Permission for the climb is necessary and can be applied for online, costs 25€ per person.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main natural attractions around São João on Pico Island?
The region is dominated by its volcanic landscape. Key natural attractions include the challenging Pico Mountain Summit, offering panoramic views, and high-altitude lagoons such as Captain's Lagoon and Caiado Lagoon. These lagoons are known for unique fauna and stunning views of Pico Mountain.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit near São João?
Yes, the Whalers' Museum in Lajes do Pico offers a deep dive into the island's whaling history. It showcases artifacts, whaling boats, and a film depicting the life of former whalers, providing an impressive look back at this significant part of Pico's heritage.
What should I know before climbing Pico Mountain?
Ascending Pico Mountain Summit requires good physical condition. It's mandatory to stop at the Mountain House (Pico Mountain House) to register and obtain authorization. Permission for the climb is necessary and can be applied for online. It's recommended to start early, around 8:00 am, and plan about 3 hours for the ascent and 3 to 3.5 hours for the descent. Good shoes, gloves for scrambling, enough water, and appropriate clothing are essential.
Are there family-friendly attractions around São João?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Both Captain's Lagoon and Caiado Lagoon are considered family-friendly natural monuments, offering beautiful views and opportunities to observe unique fauna. The Whalers' Museum also provides an engaging educational experience for all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near São João?
The area around São João is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find various hiking routes, such as the 'Mistérios do Sul' and 'Seaside Trail – Forest Trail loop'. For running, options include the challenging 'Pico Mountain Trail' and 'Caminho das Lagoas'. Cyclists can explore routes like the 'Pico Médio Granfondo' and 'Lagoas do Capitão, Seca e do Caiado'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking, running, and cycling guides for São João.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lagoons near São João?
Visitors particularly appreciate the serene beauty and the stunning views offered by the lagoons. Captain's Lagoon is noted for its unique fauna and views of Pico Mountain, while Caiado Lagoon, the highest on Pico Island, is valued for its exuberant beauty and high biological interest, being one of the few Azorean lakes without invasive species.
Is there parking available at the attractions?
Yes, for Captain's Lagoon, parking is available nearby. The Mountain House (Pico Mountain House), which serves as the starting point for the Pico Mountain climb, also offers parking facilities.
How can I reach Captain's Lagoon?
Captain's Lagoon can be reached by bus via ER 3-2, with parking available nearby. Alternatively, you can hike to it via PR 13.
What is the significance of the Mountain House for Pico Mountain climbers?
The Mountain House (Pico Mountain House) is a mandatory stop for anyone planning to climb Pico Mountain. Here, climbers register, receive a briefing, and are equipped with a GPS locating device for safety. It also provides educational panels and snacks.
Are there any easy hiking trails near São João?
Yes, for those looking for easier options, the 'Seaside Trail – Forest Trail loop from Área Protegida para a Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies do Mistério de São João' is an easy 6 km route. You can find more details on this and other trails in the hiking guide for São João.
What is unique about Caiado Lagoon?
Caiado Lagoon is the highest located lagoon on Pico Island, situated over 800 meters above sea level. It is not only a site of great natural beauty with views of Pico Mountain but also holds significant biological interest as one of the few lakes in the Azores where no invasive species have been introduced.
What kind of views can I expect from the attractions?
Many attractions offer spectacular views. From the Pico Mountain Summit, you get expansive panoramic vistas. Both Captain's Lagoon and Caiado Lagoon provide picturesque views, often featuring Pico Mountain in the background, though the peak can sometimes be shrouded in clouds.
Most popular attractions around São João
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